Music on the Rock: Common Kings and Tribal Theory

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Although the size and distance between Guam and the United States is a distint disadvantage, the amount of talent and influence from the island speaks louder than words. And sometimes, it sings even louder.

Tribal Theory played the musical scene in San Diego for seven years, representing their homeland with the power of music. And last month, they finally flew over to the island to put on one amazing show with their counterparts, Common Kings, as both bands shook the Guam Greyhound Park on Nov. 10 for "Music on the Rock," sponsored by Rock Solid Productions.

This homecoming marked the first for Tribal Theory as a band, and a second for the Common Kings, who came to Guam in June of this year, along with The Green and Steel Pulse.

"It's the farthest we've ever traveled as a band and it's just awesome," says Edrick Clark, bassist of Tribal Theory.

"It's good to be back. It feels amazing, just as if we never left," says Jr. King, lead singer of Common Kings.

A show to remember

Saturday's concert kicked off with opening acts by a few of Guam's homegrown talents. As local band Wingman's front man Nikita Mendiola scatted and performed a jazzy improvisation with just her voice, the crowd cheered as the sun set behind the hills of Perezville.

As the evening continued into night, Rebel Lion took the stage as lead singer Chris "Boomer" Unchangco played an energetic set, featuring a few of his singles such as "I Am Who I Am."

The last opener featured brothers Jager, Jaden and Jonah Guerrero, also known as Little Giants. They make look like any other group of elementary students, but once the brothers hopped on their respective instruments and microphones, the boys caused a huge sensation among the crowd as they played originals and covers. Things became even more heated as the boys play their own PG rendition of Common Kings' "Alcoholic," entitled "Chocoholic."

Tribal Theory entered the stage amidst a heart-pumping intro jam. As lead singers Nico Tuilesu, AJ Blount, and Seuko Ricardo "Ku" Hawkins jumped onto the stage, the band instantly throttled to full speed and continued their high-octane energy for the rest of the show.

The energy was so great to the point where drummer Alex Lugwa managed to puncture a hole in the bass drum from playing too hard. However, the show did not finish there; guitarist Peter-Paul Guerrero Cruz started the band off with the intro to their single "Tell Me," as the vocalists harmonized and serenaded the ladies in the crowd.

The Common Kings made a grand entrance to the stage, accompanied by screaming fans and, of course, a new bass drum. From covers to originals, the band rocked the stage, even nailing their choreography as they played a few Michael Jackson covers. The crowd raised up their drinks as the Kings struck the first chord of "Alcoholic," as guitarist Tamauta Gray put down his Gibson Les Paul electric guitar and quickly strapped on an acoustic guitar for the song. As they neared the end of their set, the Kings played their singles "Wade in your Water" and "No Other Love," prompting the crowd to dance and sing along.

"There was definitely a lot of energy on stage. It was awesome," says one concertgoer Colin Kirk, 23, who checked out the concert with his family.

"I thought it was really awesome how Tribal Theory were from Guam and made it big on the mainland. They really killed it on stage and I am really impressed," Kirk says.

Guam connection

Many members of Tribal Theory share a special connection to the island in one way or another.

"Chamorro roots. My mom's Chamorro and my dad's black. It's great to be surrounded by family and this is home for me," said vocalist Ku Hawkins.

"It's great because there is so much talent from this island and it's nice to represent our people through the music," added vocalist AJ Blount, whose mother is originally from the village of Inarajan.

Born and raised on Guam, drummer Alex Lugwa says he is proud to be representing the island in the mainland.

"This is the place where I learned everything I know and made me who I am today," Lugwa says.

One of the latest additions to the band, guitarist Peter-Paul Guerrero Cruz played as a former member of the local band Table for Five before heading out to the mainland for school. He joined Tribal Theory as a bassist and eventually replaced former guitarist Richard Duenas. Since becoming the new guitarist, Cruz was instrumental in the production of the band's latest album, "Hell of a Night."

"It feels amazing to start my music career in Guam and be able to go out into the states and prosper with other Chamorros. There's no other feeling like it. And to be able to come back and show what you've accomplished, it's just one-of-a-kind feeling," Cruz says.